BYD has begun taking pre-orders for the Tang plug-in hybrid SUV (earlier post) in China with a starting price of 300,000 RMB (US$48,306) before EV incentives. (The higher-performance top end model goes for twice that.) BYD said that demand for the BYD Tang, originally introduced at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, is high; BYD expects orders for the Tang quickly to surpass those for the Qin plug-in hybrid (earlier post)—at 14,747 units, the best-selling plug-in in China in 2014.

The Tang uses BYD Auto’s second-generation DM (Dual-Mode) 2.0 PHEV platform, and the first of its much-touted 5-4-2 platform models: 5: standing for 0-100km/h (0-60 mph) in less than 5 seconds; 4: standing for 4-wheel drive; 2: standing for less than 2 liters average consumed over 100 km (117.5 mpg US).

The BYD Dual Mode (DM) system allows drivers to switch between an all-electric mode (EV mode) and a plug-in-hybrid-electric mode (HEV mode).

BYD said that China has waited a long time for a PHEV Sport Utility Vehicle. Executives made the announcement about pre-orders at the company’s Annual International Auto Innovator Conference in Shenzhen. Click to enlarge.

Tang is fitted with a 2.0-liter combustion engine which delivers 151 kW (202 hp) and 320 N·m (236 lb-ft) of torque; and two electric machines, front and rear, each rated at 110 kW and 250 N·m (184 lb-ft) in the entry-level Tang. For the performance model, the rear motor is rated at 300 N·m (221 lb-ft) instead.

Total system output is 371 kW (498 hp) and 820 N·m (605 lb-ft) for the entry-level model, and 411 kW (551 hp) and 870 N·m (642 lb-ft) for the performance model. The latter accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds; the entry level takes 4.9 seconds.

Tang gets its name from the Tang Dynasty—known as the most prosperous of all the great Chinese Dynasties.

BYD also announced two more Sport Utility offerings that will become available for order later in 2015: The “BYD Song”, a mid-size SUV along with the “BYD Yuan”, a compact SUV will both cater to China’s strong demand for Sport Utility Vehicles. These will also have Dual-Mode PHEV powertrains.

OK then Harvey, It IS impressive, near 500bhp total system output with only a 2.0 litre ICE,along with the quoted fuel economy seems pretty clever to me. But what will durability be like? From what I see and hear, Chinese quality assurance seems to be at around the point that the Japanese were back in the 1950's, or the Koreans in the 1980's. However, the Chinese have always seemed to me to be a very pragmatic people, and Pride in their nation's achievements a growing characteristic.The potential in one billion people is not to be sniffed at.